Labor & Employment Litigation Associate Attorney (PAGA & Wage & Hour Class Actions)

Job Description

Job Description

Direct Counsel is seeking a  Labor & Employment Litigation Associate with 5–7 years of experience to join a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice in Los Angeles. This is an exceptional opportunity for an attorney with significant California employment litigation experience, particularly in PAGA representative actions and wage and hour class actions , to work on sophisticated matters for employers facing complex workplace disputes.

The ideal candidate will have strong litigation experience, outstanding writing skills, and the ability to independently manage high-stakes employment matters in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Represent employers in all phases of labor and employment litigation
• Handle complex wage and hour class actions and PAGA representative actions
• Develop litigation strategy and manage cases from inception through resolution
• Draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other substantive litigation filings
• Conduct legal research and analyze evolving California employment laws
• Manage discovery, depositions, and motion practice
• Participate in mediations, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation
• Advise clients on employment-related risks and litigation exposure
• Collaborate with attorneys across a nationally recognized labor and employment platform

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of labor and employment litigation experience
• Significant experience with:
  • California employment law
  • PAGA litigation
  • Wage and hour class actions
• Strong litigation, case management, and project management skills
• Exceptional legal research, writing, and oral advocacy abilities
• Ability to manage a sophisticated and fast-paced caseload
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Outstanding client service and interpersonal skills
• Law review or comparable advanced writing experience preferred
• Trial experience is a plus
• AmLaw 100 experience is a plus
• Strong academic credentials from an accredited law school
• Active California Bar admission required

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected salary range: $315,000 – $370,000
• Compensation is determined based on experience, education, training, and other relevant factors
• Performance- and hours-based bonus opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work environment
• Opportunity to work on sophisticated employment litigation matters for major employers
• Significant client exposure and responsibility
• Professional development and mentorship opportunities
• Clear path for long-term advancement

Why This Opportunity

• Join a nationally recognized Labor & Employment practice
• Handle high-profile PAGA and wage and hour class action matters
• Work with sophisticated employer clients across a variety of industries
• Gain meaningful responsibility and direct client interaction
• Collaborate with an experienced team handling some of the most challenging workplace issues facing employers today

Direct Counsel is committed to connecting exceptional legal talent with premier law firms and fostering inclusive hiring practices.